Local artist Tom Scherschel will present his recent work in an exhibit titled Symbolic Pride at Hellada Art Center through May 30.
The season in which the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community collectively celebrates pride was the inspiration behind Scherschel’s new work. He said having recently studied the universality of symbols also informed his work.
Since he had also been studying mandalas, he decided to incorporate those into his pieces as well.
“I learned that [mandalas] are generally circles— and less often squares— that are divided into quadrants,” he said. “The quadrants represent the four directions, the four seasons and the four elements. Further, each quadrant has healing salves, instruments, animals and colors associated with it.”
Scherschel decided to use the six stripes of the rainbow flag as a starting place then connected each color and its symbolic representation with colors represented in mandalas.
“I also decided to incorporate the five universal shapes in the design in the form of animals connected to each mandala quadrant,” he said. “The animals I have chosen all have special meanings to me. When the project began, I reflected on how proud of I am of the LBGT community for embracing the symbols of the rainbow flag. As the project progressed, I reflected on all of the symbols and how they relate to and shape my life as a gay man. At the project’s conclusion, my interpretations of the combination of universal symbols I’ve incorporated in my works have helped me see our community is just a part— although an absolutely fabulous part— of a much bigger picture.”
Scherschel’s exhibit Symbolic Pride will open Saturday, May 9 from 6pm to 9pm at Hellada Art Center, 117 Linden Ave. A closing reception will take place Saturday, May 30 from 6pm to 9pm. The gallery’s hours are Wednesdays through Sundays from 3pm to 7pm. Call (562) 833-4059.
Source: Tom Scherschel
